Dutch Bros releases a creative new lineup of spooky drinks every year. In honor of the Trick or Treat and Sour Cherry Rebels coming out Oct. 13, I have ranked Dutch Bros’ fall lineup this year. All drinks are between $5.25-$5.95 in a medium before tax.
5. Trick or Treat Rebel
This candy-based energy drink is new this year; it’s their rebel energy drink mixed with strawberry, almond and white chocolate flavors. The drink itself is visually pretty but missed the mark — it was entirely too sweet. It’s less of a refreshing drink and more “drinkable liquid sugar.” The flavors are artificial and don’t mesh well together. Chocolate is just an odd addition to a drink that’s water-based. The mix of the three flavors isn’t very Octobery at all, even though the drink is advertised that way — with orange soda and colorful gummy bears floating around in it. Overall, it was very pretty, but tasted bad and wasn’t worth the price. I’d rather just pick up a redbull and bag of gummy bears for the time and effort it cost me.
4. Cookie Butter Latte
The Cookie Butter Latte is tasty but way too rich. It has the density and creaminess of ice cream, not a latte. It’s thick, incredibly sweet and all I could taste was the cookie butter. The first sip made me happy, but by the time I was halfway through the drink I was sick of the flavor. It’s a great idea and tasty, but dense and hurts the stomach. I would recommend getting this in a kids’ size if you’re taking a trip to Dutch Bros.
3. Candied Cherry Rebel
This was delicious. The sourness provides great contrast to the cherry flavor, which cuts the medicinal taste that artificial cherry tends to have. I recommend getting the blended Rebel version of this because it makes it light, refreshing and enjoyable. I wouldn’t explicitly travel to get this drink, except if I’m driving past a Dutch Bros and craving an energy drink. The dark red of the drink also makes it a bit Halloweeny, so it still feels in-season. Get this over the Trick or Treat Rebel.
2. Lonely Ghost Chai
Cherry and chai has become more popular in recent years, and trying this was my first taste of the fad. I thought it would be weird — but it was delicious. The sweetness of the cherry balances out the spices in the chai quite well. The cherry isn’t too artificial and the chai is spicy and bold without being overbearing. I would highly recommend this drink because it presents a great balance of sweet, spicy and caffeinated that would be difficult to make at home. It is worth the trip.
1. Caramel Pumpkin Brûlée
This drink is outstanding. From the sweet caramel to the torched top, it provides the perfect balance of flavors. The caramel provides a depth of flavor and sings alongside the pumpkin; the drink has a lightly-toasted flavor that resonates through the whole drink. The pumpkin screams October, and it tastes real, not artificial. When I finished this drink, I bought another one and brought it home with me. This is a must-try and the best thing that Dutch Bros offers this season.
